Rev. Douglas Al-Bazi, an Iraqi Chaldean Catholic Church parish priest who was kidnapped by ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) in Iraq in 2006 and released after being tortured for nine days and his church paying $170,000 in ransom, is visiting the U.S.

Rev. Douglas now serves as pastor of a large parish in Erbil, Iraq, and is the spiritual adviser of Couples for Christ (CFC) in that area.

Last Sunday night, the prelate availed himself to be interviewed by the Filipino Reporter through arrangements made by certain CFC USA leaders in a New York City restaurant.

Among the subjects discussed were overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Iraq; religious freedom; and conduct of medical mission by CFC ANCOP in poor areas of Rev. Douglas’ parish.

The Catholic priest had good words for hundreds of Filipinos who worship regularly in his parish.

He cited Filipino foods occasionally served to him, Filipino hospitality, and the Pinoys’ penchant for pictures.